A Christmas Secret

The splendid Terrence Hardiman seems to get even better and better as a narrator. In this endearing story, Father Dominic Corde and his wife, Clarice, move to a village so that Dominic can substitute for the local vicar, who seems to have been loved by all. Hardiman perfectly captures a wide range of emotions and personalities as he skillfully portrays the local men and women. When the couple ultimately must investigate the vicar's murder, the story's tone changes dramatically. Setting, especially weather, plays an important part in Perry's atmospheric novels, and Hardiman aptly delivers the author's portrait of an English village in the late nineteenth century. This is perfect for Perry fans and those who simply want to enjoy an exceptional performance. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

October 16, 2006
Perry's latest short Christmas novel is a well-written if unsurprising period mystery, set in late 19th-century England. Reverend Dominic Corde and his wife, Clarice, are at a turning point in their lives; a chance opportunity has given Dominic the temporary position as vicar of a small village in Oxfordshire, substituting for the incumbent, Reverend Wynter. Their hopes that the position might become permanent are both enhanced and threatened when Clarice discovers Wynter's murdered corpse in the cellar. The resolution is not particularly complicated, but Perry does a nice job of weaving in themes of forgiveness and redemption without being heavy-handed.